Next 10 Amendments: Eliminate the Electoral College?

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Should Americans be allowed to directly elect a president, or does the Electoral College represent the best way to fairly select a leader? Let us know what you think in our continuing debate about the Next 10 Amendments to the Constitution.

The issue of how the president and vice president are elected was a key part of the debates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The compromise reached in Philadelphia appeased fears from smaller states about not having a direct role in the election process.

Since then, the Electoral College issue has been debated, especially in election years when presidential candidates have won the popular vote but lost in the Electoral College.

As part of our Next 10 Amendments project, we’ve asked Constitution Daily readers to give us their opinions on possible new amendments. You can see other topics below, and people have made a lot of good points, in a civil way.

What do you think: Is the electoral college the best way to elect a president?

Here’s how you can participate in our project:

1. Check out the resources in the sidebar at right to learn more about the historical context and current events related to this issue.
2. In the comments below, share your thoughts and explore what others are saying. (Please keep your comments respectful and on topic.)
3. Check back each week for the latest discussion topic.
4. In early September, cast your vote in a referendum on potential amendments, gathered from participant comments.

Our discussion is moderated by Chris Phillips, research fellow of the Center for Programs in Contemporary Writing at the University of Pennsylvania and executive director of the nonprofit organization Democracy Café.

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